Secrets from a Hill Staffer: Do I Need a Lobbyist?

It's not necessary to spend years on Capitol Hill to know that the word "lobbyist" carries a negative connotation. And as a social worker by training, I am familiar with the ongoing debate regarding ethical versus unethical lobbying.

Nonetheless, after engaging with thousands of constituents and stakeholders over the years, it is strikingly clear how crucial understanding the legislative process is for furthering one's objectives. 

Your organization may create compelling stories, educational resources, and research materials to highlight the necessity for legislative reform, but it might not have the expertise required to guide the legislation through the political process.

Engaging a lobbyist or a lobbying firm provides several advantages. For example, lobbyists:

• Are professionals in their field, providing expertise in legislative strategy and technique

to facilitate legislation through the process

• Can quickly respond to issues and can assist organizations in providing appropriate

communication to key legislators and regulators

• Can identify where leverage needs to be applied and can point out pitfalls

• Can monitor the legislative process in an efficient and accurate manner

• Understand how legislation is formulated and can analyze and draft persuasive legislative language